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Cueto announces retirement

Former England wing Mark Cueto has announced that he will retire from playing at the end of the current season.

Cueto is currently the all-time leading try scorer in the Aviva Premiership with 87 tries having overtaken former team-mate Steve Hanley’s record of 75 tries in February 2013.

Cueto has played 294 games for Sale Sharks and has also played 55 times for England including two World Cups (2007 and 2011). He also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2005 and played in the final Test match.

“The time has finally come to end my career and I would like to thank the owners, the coaches, backroom staff and the office staff who, down the years have helped me in my career,” said the 35-year-old.

“When I made my debut at Bristol back in 2001 I could hardly have dreamed that I would play for Sale Sharks for 14 seasons, represented my country all over the world and played with and against some of the all time greats.”

Cueto will now be joining the Sale commercial department and will become the club’s first-ever Ambassador.

“Mark has been an outstanding player for the club throughout his career,” said Sale CEO Jonny Kennedy.

“A Professional Sports Club rarely experience having the pleasure of retaining a player for their entire career, so I’d like to thank Mark for his sterling commitment for the last 14 years.

“Whilst at the club, Mark has achieved honours for England and the British & Irish Lions and is the premiership top try scorer of all time.

“His commitment and loyalty to both club and country are an inspiration to all and are values that will greatly assist him in his business career.

“I’m delighted that Mark is continuing his involvement with the club as an Ambassador, amongst his duties he will be hosting the private executive boxes on match days at the AJBell stadium. He is popular with the sponsors and the fans and will hopefully play a big part in the clubs progress in the years to come.”